Abstract
In order to check the increasing diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, the Government of India enacted the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980 which mandated the central government’s prior approval for any such diversions. This Act applied to land notified as forest under the Indian Forest Act 1927 or any other law, and the forest under the control of the forest department. The Supreme Court order in Godavarman Case (1996) expanded the definition of a forest for applicability of FCA to all forests irrespective of recognition, classification, and ownership, and also those conforming to the dictionary meaning of forests. This created operational problems. The 2023 amendments to FCA 1980 exempt certain forest lands from its purview and exclude certain activities from the definition of non-forest purposes. The amended law shrinks the forest cover besides subverting rights granted to forest dwellers under Central laws.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
